Low income super contribution

The low income super contribution (LISC) is a government superannuation payment of up to $500 to help low-income earners save for retirement.

The LISC has been repealed from 1 July 2017 and will be replaced by the low income super tax offset (LISTO). The last year of contributions eligible for LISC is 2016–17 with final determinations relating to years 2012–13 to 2016–17 to be processed on or before 30 June 2019. LISTO will provide continued support for low-income earners and ensure that generally they do not pay more tax on their super contributions than on their take-home pay.

Eligible individuals will be paid via a contribution benefit into their fund. The effect of the LISTO payment to the individual’s account is to offset the tax their superannuation fund pays on their contributions.

If you earn $37,000 or less a year, you may be eligible to receive a LISC payment directly into your super fund.

You don't need to do anything to receive a LISC. Just make sure your super fund has your tax file number (TFN) – without your TFN, your super fund cannot accept a LISC payment.

The LISC is 15% of the concessional (before tax) super contributions you or your employer pays into your super fund for the 2012–13 to the 2016–17 financial years.

The maximum payment you can receive for a financial year is $500, and the minimum is $10. If you're eligible for less than $10, we will round this up to $10.

Our commitment to you

We are committed to providing you with accurate, consistent and clear information to help you understand your rights and entitlements and meet your obligations.

If you follow our information and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we will take that into account when determining what action, if any, we should take.

Some of the information on this website applies to a specific financial year. This is clearly marked. Make sure you have the information for the right year before making decisions based on that information.

If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.